Cellulite is fat stored underneath the skin that appears dimpled and lumpy, making it embarrassing for many who experience it. It's most common around the buttocks and thighs, and can be affected by genetics, hormonal changes and a low activity level. According to the American Council of Exercise, women suffer from cellulite more often than men due to the fact that they store fat in a honeycomb pattern, making it bulge. Men can develop cellulite as well, and the problem worsens with age when the skin becomes thinner. Creams and wraps claiming to reduce cellulite are not likely to be effective, because they aren't able to get beneath the skin where cellulite lies. However, daily cardiovascular or strength training exercise can help burn fat and make skin more firm.
Cardiovascular Exercise
Cardiovascular workouts burn calories and reduce overall body fat, which makes cellulite less visible. Effective cardio workouts include walking, running, jumping rope, jumping jacks or riding a bicycle. In addition to benefiting the heart and reducing overall weight, many cardio workouts use the muscles in the legs and buttocks, targeting the appearance of cellulite.
Squats
Squats are performed while standing with feet shoulder-width apart. The body is lowered slowly with knees bent, making thighs parallel to the ground, and then raised slowly back to the starting standing position. This exercise can be repeated 20 times while keeping thighs and buttocks tightly contracted. This works the muscles in those specific areas, where cellulite is most common.
Buttock Squeezes
Buttock squeezes are a simple yet effective exercise for reducing the appearance of cellulite. While standing straight upright and placing both feet next to each other, squeeze your buttocks tightly for 30 seconds. After releasing, clench them together again and repeat for five minutes. This burns fat deposits located in the buttocks.
Lunges
Lunges are performed by making a wide forward stance with the right leg, bending the knee and making the right thigh parallel to the ground while the left foot stays stationary. Repeat the exercise, this time switching legs and placing the left leg forward, bending the knee. Repeat 12 times for each leg. This exercise tones muscles in the upper thigh area, making cellulite less visible.
Swimming
Swimming is an effective way to burn calories and increase muscle mass, which decreases fat deposits. It's similar to cardiovascular exercises but uses more muscles because more of the body is working to move through the water. However, it's often easier than cardiovascular exercise because the buoyancy of the water supports the body through its movements. Treading water or simply swimming laps is an effective cellulite-burning exercise.
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